[Diagnosing of Acanthamoeba keratitis]

Acanthamoeba keratitis is rare corneal disease, its etiology is caused by amoebae of the Acanthamoeba spp. In this paper, the newest findings about the diagnostic and treatment procedures of the disease and epidemiology and preventive issues from the point of public health are presented. The article presents results of the water quality monitoring (according to the Acanthamoeba which is possible to cultivate at 36 degrees C and 44 degrees C) in man-made swimming pools during the period 2004-2008 at the Department of environmental biology of the Regional Public Health Institute in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, E.U. The examination methods present the techniques of the clinical sampling and taking samples from the environment. The results underline the use of the new effective criteria in controlling of recreational resorts as well as changes of the legal criteria for the water quality used by the public. The results show that the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. in the environment is common, so the water monitoring is perceived as substantial preventive issue to prevent the disease to emerge. The collaboration between the public heath departments and ophthalmologists during the examination of the clinical and environmental samples may help to prevent and diagnose the Acanthamoeba keratitis.